Serving Chicagoland Since 1993

Sewer Cleaning and Rodding in Evanston, IL

Water rising at the basement floor drain or every drain slowing at once means the main line is blocked. We rod it clear to the city sewer and show you the cause on camera. Our Evanston office is on Orrington Avenue, downtown.

J. Blanton plumber feeding the cable from a drum rodding machine into an outdoor sewer cleanout in a front yard
Diagram showing a rodding cable fed through a cleanout access point into the main sewer line, with a cutting head clearing the blockage toward the street connection
The Basics

What Is Sewer Rodding?

Sewer rodding clears a blocked main line with a long, flexible steel cable fed through a cleanout access point. A cutting head on the end breaks through roots, grease, and debris and pushes the blockage toward the street connection, restoring flow through the pipe. It's the standard first fix for a clogged or backed-up sewer line. For most homes, it's the only fix needed.

Know the Signs

Signs Your Evanston Main Line Is Clogged

Watch for:

Water at the Floor Drain

The lowest drain in the house fills first.

Toilets Bubble When the Washer Drains

Air and water pushed back up.

Several Drains Slow at Once

The blockage is below them all.

Every Spring, Same Problem

Roots regrow in old clay.

Local Knowledge

What We Pull Out of Evanston Sewer Lines

Most clogs here come from the age of the pipe and the trees above it.

Root Masses

Fine roots fill old clay joints and catch paper.

Grease and Wipes

Even flushable wipes snag on roots.

Scale in Cast Iron

Rough pipe narrows the opening.

When Rodding Isn't Enough

Roots back in months? Hydro jetting or a repair lasts longer.

The J. Blanton Difference

How Our Sewer Cleaning Visits Work

Clear it, see it, explain it.

1. Find the Best Access

A basement cleanout or the yard.

2. Rod to the City Main

Then a camera pass.

3. Show You the Footage

With options and a price.

773-724-9272
J. Blanton plumber in shoe covers on a home's front steps with a sewer camera
Timing

Why Evanston Sewer Clogs Peak in Spring

Tree roots grow fastest when the ground thaws and the trees leaf out. In an old clay lateral, that's when fine roots push through the joints and fill the pipe. Add a few heavy spring rains and a full combined sewer, and a partly blocked line gives up. That's why many Evanston homeowners with a root history book their rodding in late winter. It clears the line just before the growth season starts.

Customer Stories

Sewer Cleaning Reviews

4.8 stars from 869 Google reviews for our Evanston office.

"Edgar rodded out both my shower drain and vanity sink. He’s was professional and knowledgeable . I think J Blanton is on the pricey side , but I’m very happy with Edgar’s work."

Kim Budnik
Verified Customer

"Ray was awesome! My kitchen sink was backed up and he took care of things courteously, neatly and thoroughly. Ray explained the mechanics of why my issue may have happened and how to prevent it from happening again. I recommend Ray and JVS to anyone looking for a plumber!"

Tanya Hill
Verified Customer

"Andrew & Ty did a great job! They were very quick & professional! Highly recommend them for all your drain clogs."

Rebecca Mutek
Verified Customer
Got Questions?

Sewer Cleaning Questions From Evanston Homeowners

Yearly if roots are a problem.

If roots have blocked it before, plan on once a year, ideally late winter.

Rodding cuts a path. Jetting cleans the walls.

Rodding cuts through roots and clogs. Jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the whole pipe wall, so it usually lasts longer.

On a dry day, it's usually your lateral.

If it happens without rain, the blockage is usually in your lateral. During heavy storms, the combined sewer can back up too.

It makes service easier.

We can usually get in without one, but adding an outside cleanout makes every future visit faster.

It can slow regrowth, not clear a clog.

Root treatments can slow regrowth after a cleaning, but they won't open a blocked line. Mechanical cleaning comes first.

It depends on access and the clog. You'll approve a flat price first.

It depends on access, the length of the line and the blockage. You'll approve a flat-rate price before we start.

Annual Protection Plan

Join the No Drip Club for Year-Round Sewer Protection

Prevent catastrophes before they disrupt your life. The No Drip Club ensures your waste and sewer lines are monitored and serviced regularly by J. Blanton’s absolute best.

  • Two Free Professional Maintenance Visits per Year
  • 10% Discount on All General Plumbing & Sewer Services
  • 5-Year Parts and Labor Warranty on Approved Projects
  • VIP Priority Scheduling Status (Skip the Queue)
Learn More About the No Drip Club
No Drip Club mascot: an illustrated J. Blanton plumber holding a red pipe wrench
What We Fix

Plumbing Services in Evanston

Plumber feeding a drain cleaning cable into an outdoor drain pit to clear a clogged line

Drain Cleaning

Clogged kitchen sinks, slow bathroom drains and backed-up basement floor drains.

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J. Blanton plumbers working a sewer lining machine connected to the cleanout at a residential sewer repair

Sewer Repair

Cracked clay pipe, roots and repeat backups in laterals that can be 80 to 100 years old.

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Interior wall with bubbling, cracked paint and water stains above the baseboard, a sign of a hidden leak behind the wall

Leak & Pipe Repair

Leaking water lines, hidden leaks behind plaster and worn-out pipe in older homes.

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J. Blanton plumber checking the controls at the base of a basement water heater

Water Heaters

Repair and replacement for tank and tankless water heaters that leak, make noise or run out of hot water too fast.

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Cast iron catch basin grate at the edge of an asphalt driveway, partly covered with fallen leaves next to a landscaped garden bed

Catch Basins

Cleaning and repair for yard and driveway catch basins that back up when it rains.

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J. Blanton plumber leaning over an open toilet tank to check the fill valve during a toilet repair

Toilets & Showers

Running toilets, leaky shower valves and new fixture installs.

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Local Office, 24/7 Phone

Ready to Get Your Drains Flowing?

Our Evanston office is at 1603 Orrington Ave #600-1085, and our phone line is open 24/7.

We also serve Wilmette, Skokie, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Rogers Park, Glenview, Winnetka and more.

Call Now: 773-724-9272
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